Strengthening Disaster Management: India and Maldives Foster Collaborative Efforts
Context:
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, has granted ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the National Disaster Management Authority of India and the National Disaster Management Authority of Maldives.
Salient Features of the MoU:
1. Mutual Support during Large-Scale Disasters:
The Parties will provide mutual support upon request in the event of large-scale disaster incidents occurring within their respective territories. This support includes emergency relief, response, and humanitarian assistance.
2. Exchange of Information and Best Practices:
The Parties will share information and experiences related to disaster response, mitigation, planning, and preparedness. They will also exchange best practices in these areas.
3. Satellite Remote Sensing and Space Technology:
The Parties will share satellite remote sensing data and expertise in space technology applications to enhance disaster mitigation efforts. This includes exchanging information on disaster prevention and risk assessment.
4. Collaboration in Advanced Technologies:
Cooperation will be extended in the fields of advanced information technology, early warning systems, remote sensing, satellite communication, and navigation services.
5. Training and Capacity Building:
The Parties will consider implementing training and capacity building programs to enhance sectoral mainstreaming in disaster risk reduction. These programs will train senior officials and rescue personnel from emergency management services in both short and long-term training courses.
6. Research and Knowledge Exchange:
The Parties will cooperate in research, knowledge exchange, faculty support programs, and documentation in the areas of disaster risk reduction and academic programs related to disaster resilience and climate change adaptation.
7. Further Cooperation in Disaster Management:
The Parties will explore additional areas of cooperation in various activities related to disaster management.
8. Exchange of Hazard Information:
The Parties may exchange Tsunami Advisories, Storm Surge, High Wave Alert, and Multi-Hazard vulnerability information. This includes conducting multi-hazard risk assessments for oceanogenic disasters along their coastal zones.
9. Numerical Weather Prediction and Forecasting:
Information exchange will include Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) products and Extended Range Forecast (ERF) data.
10. Real-Time Data Access and Training:
The Indian side will provide access to Real-Time Analysis of Products and Information Dissemination (RAPID) for visualization of Indian Weather Satellite Data. Additionally, training on NWP and Satellite Meteorology will be provided by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
11. Annual Disaster Management Exercise:
The Parties will initiate an annual disaster management exercise, which will be held in different geographic settings of both nations to enhance their preparedness and response capabilities.
By leveraging the cooperation outlined in this MoU, India and Maldives aim to enhance their disaster management efforts, improve coordination during emergencies, and build resilient communities.
